Spring Is Here! Children’s Books That Celebrate Springtime.

March 2nd, 2015
Bonnie · Staff Recommendations

Although some of us might still have snow on the ground, the coming of Daylight Saving Time means that SPRING is finally headed our way. Lighter jackets, blooming flowers, the smell of freshly cut grass – it’s all coming!

There is something special about the day getting longer, the birds chirping in the trees, those first daffodil buds peeking through the cold soil, planting seeds for a garden. To welcome the new season, here are some children’s books to celebrate spring:

My Spring Robin by Anne Rockwell, Harlow Rockwell, and Lizzy Rockwell.Celebrate the splendors of springtime in this classic from the author of Apples and Pumpkins.  When spring arrives, a young girl sees all the sights and sounds of the new season: a blooming crocus, a buzzing bee, a colorful magnolia tree, a brief rain shower…but where is the robin?  Ages 2+

Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert.A mother and child plant a rainbow of flowers and watch them grow, introducing children to colors and flowers. Babies +

Mud by Mary Lyn Ray.A lyrical celebration of the season when frozen earth melts into mud. The free-verse poem evokes sounds (“squish) and images (“hills remember their colors”) and relates the action (“dance it!”).  Ages 4+.

A New Beginning: Celebrating the Spring Equinox by Wendy Pfeffer and Linda Bleck.This book explains what the Spring equinox is and provides ideas for projects to celebrate the beginning of Spring. Ages 5+

My Garden by Kevin Henkes.A little girl thinks up all sorts of things whe would grow in her garden if there were no limits. Rusty old keys, jelly bean bushes and strawberries that glow like lanterns are some of the special plants she imagines. Ages 2-6.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.In this classic novel two lost souls find purpose and joy thanks to a hidden garden and the guidance of a new friend. For ages 7 + or as a read-aloud to younger children.

Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman.A heart-warming story or urban renewal told by thirteen different individuals. An entire neighborhood is transformed, touching the live of many people. A book full of hope for ages 9-12.

Spring Things by Bob Raczka.This cheerful picture book celebrates the season in pithy, rhyming phrases and sunny artwork. Ages 0-3.

Splish, Splash, Spring by Jan Carr.Illustrations and rhyming text describe some of the delights of spring. The bouncy language, bright artwork, and nonstop action make this book a good choice for group sharing.

Spring Across America by Seymour Simon.This a photographic tribute to the transformations of spring, from the southern to the northern United States. Although he acknowledges that spring starts in March, Simon begins his story in February, when the first signs and voices of spring can be seen and heard. Nonfiction for ages 4+

Click, Clack, Peep! by Doreen Cronin, author of the popular Click, Clack series.There’s more trouble on the farm, but Duck has nothing to do with it, for once. This time the trouble is a four-ounce puff of fluff who just won’t go to sleep. Preschool-age 3.

Plant a Kiss by Amy Krause Rosenthal.One small act of love blooms into something bigger in this wonderful simple story about life, kindness, and giving. Ages 3+.